#tw hyperventilation

[alolanshadowdragon]

CW: Panic attack (also hyperventilation and stabbing mention under cut)

I may have said this already, but Scar has breathing problems. He doesn't entirely know why he has them, but the problem made itself apparent after Dr. Deep punctured his lung. (aka i haven't decided if it's because of the city or because he was stabbed-)

It'll randomly happen that he feels like there's a little space in his lungs that he can't fill when he breathes in. So he tries to fix this manually (by taking deep breaths). Sometimes it fixes it right away, but most times it doesn't, so he keeps doing it until it does. However, the longer it takes for him to "fix it", the more he grows scared. He knows it's irrational, but he can never shake the nagging feeling that he can't breathe enough and that he'll die of it. This thought usually sends him spiraling until he ends up having a panic attack - which doesn't help his breathing issues.

Once he has them, that's usually where his friends have to step in and calm him down, doing breathing exercises to get him back to breathing calmly.

I haven't entirely ironed out the details from there, but I think that's the general idea down

Here are some variants of the drawing (the alt texts have a bit of talking about each one)

[dedf1sh-is-missing]

(Oh boy, I do love me a panic attack)

(Finally, time to actually get the ball rolling story wise, am I right?)

[eunoiaaaivy]

ღ....lifeline?

-cw: angst, character death, blood, unknown illness, unrequited love, short like me, mention of nightmares and crying, hyperventilating.

a/n: probs don't know abt this one. it's not really angsty.

he misses you. he misses your smiles, your laugh, the way your face would crinkle when you're happy. he just misses everything about you. he misses the way you would start a small banter with him, huffing when he calls you short. he misses ice cream on sundays with you. he misses everything related to you.

as he stares in the dark, the ceiling is what he is met with, mocking him with memories he's chasing. he could hear your laugh, despite the tick of the clock being loud. he could feel your presence hugging him from behind, even in the cold air of nothing. he could feel you. another sleepless night without you.

wasn't he stupid? why did he do that to you? why did he do that? just why? with the chasing of memories, he encounters what's there to be encountered. memories of flashing lights, the loud bustling crowd and the touching of skins, the memory of you in a cute dress, a confession remained in the air as he didn't say anything. and right then and there, the night he hates the most. because it was the last time you ever talked to each other. you lost contact, sweet moments and memories yet to be made.

it was only until he saw you at the vending machine, a shocked look on your face as you saw him. he recalls, the look he gave you was nothing of an accepted confession. it was a foreign, blank look as he no longer held warmth for you. as you reached out for him, he was met with the walls and ceilings of his bedroom as he realized it was a dream. his rushed breathing and ragged breath could be heard in the air as he tries to stabilize himself. the memory of you reaching out breaking into a thousand shards of glass as the realization eats him alive. before waking up, a flash was scene, there in all your glory, blood dripping from your nose as only a few seconds later you were met with the sound of gurgling blood out of your mouth, and as you looked at his eyes one last time, you collapsed on the floor.

and as he regains his breathing, he cries. he cries at the realization that you confessed knowing that your lifeline was going to end soon. he cries as he realized those memories eat him at night, taunting him for the things he's done to you. for treating you as such. for the lifeline that was taken away from you as he realizes that he loves you. he could remember faintly of the scene, ambulance blaring and teachers panicking, he stood there clueless. until your brother came and grabbed his collar, declaring the love you had for him was pure and unjudged, that your intentions were clear as daylight and your bright lovely heart has now dimmed like the moon on a long night.

he cries in anguish as you no longer breath. out of every day that he could've met you properly, why should've it been in your funeral, as he gazes through the area, the sobbing of your mother can be heard and the woes of your father loud and clear. the dullness of your siblings can be seen and the bright smile of yours in a picture frame in the middle of the center.

he realized, then and there that you died feeling alone. despite the friends and family, he knew you felt alone. as clear as the day and as dark as the night, you were no longer here. a brazen fool is what he calls himself as the pictures of you and him no longer feel special. and as the memories come flooding in once again on a peaceful night, he lets himself drown in them. he drowns his woes and sorrows in them as he is no longer met with a beating heartbeat. your lifeline has ended.

CLAUDE (WMMAP), AOMINE, SASUKE, ITACHI, KAKASHI, obito, dion, DILUC, kaeya, jean, eren, MIKEY, HANMA, ran, rindou, KAGEYAMA, TSUKISHIMA, kuroo, connie, hyuga junpei, NEJI, SEIJURO AKASHI, akashi keiji (?), IZEK, ERGI, sanemi, tengen, BAKUGOU, shinsou, aizawa, MEGUMI, TBH JUST ANYONE LOL I WANTED TO BE DRAMATIC. :DDDDD

©eunoiaaaivy || 2023

[hotchocolatewriting]

Hello! I had an idea for a hero/villain prompt if you'd like it? Maybe the hero notices that their villain has been down/stressed recently and decides to look after them for a bit (whether this be more platonic stuff like cooking for them or just talking or more romantic stuff like giving them a bath or hugging them, it's up to you :)). Thank you so much, and I hope you're doing ok

Thank you so much for the request! I hope it’s a bit like you expected (otherwise I can always try to continue it and add more comfort). I’m a bit stressed and anxious the last few weeks, but I’m okay, thanks for asking. I hope you like the story :) TW: Hyperventilation, a bit of negative thinking/self talk (poor selfcare)

It wasn’t the first time that hero stumbled upon villain during one of their shifts, fighting them and preventing them from committing crimes. But tonight was different, as they found villain laying on the rooftop with their arms under their head, staring at the sky. They looked like they were close to falling asleep and they didn’t even react when hero came closer. “You know, lying on a roof in your costume, listening to music, isn’t the safest thing for you to do,” hero said. Villain opened an eye and turned their head to the side to see hero standing beside them. They turned their gaze back to the stars, shining above them. “What else am I supposed to do? Walk over the roves in my civilian clothes?” It was meant as a sarcastic comment, but something in their voice made hero think they weren’t as snappy as normal. They were actually pretty quiet for their doing, like they had been for the last few weeks. Villain sighed and took their earplugs out. “What do you want, hero?” “I don’t even know to be honest. I guess I just wanted to check up on you. You seem so different the last few weeks.” Villain rolled their eyes. “And you thought I would talk to a hero like you? Even helping the villains now, aren’t we?” They sat up and got to their feet. “Sorry hero, but I’m a lone wolf. Not interested in sappy talks.” They walked away, shaking their head for a short moment. Hero watched them, noticing villain was totally off guard and probably not able to focus much on what they were doing. Even though their shoulders were tensed like they were on high alert. It was the rest of their behavior that made hero worried, like reacting really late on sounds or not seeming focused during fights and taking hits they would normally easily have dodged. Whatever it was that was bothering them, it was affecting their behavior. Hero couldn’t even remember the last time villain had been so… quiet? Hero had even noticed the sadness in their eyes, the tiredness. Would they even care if hero had warned the police instead of letting them go like this? “Villain, wait!” Villain sighed again but stayed where they were. Normally they would just have kept walking. “What?!” they asked, annoyance shimmering through their voice. “If you wanted to arrest me you would already have done it. Just leave me be.” “I just wanted to let you know that I’m here if you need anything, okay?” hero said. “Just know that whatever it is that is bothering you, I am here to help.” Villain stayed quiet for a long moment. They turned their head to look at hero for a second, opened their mouth as if they wanted to say something, but closed it without making a sound. They shrugged and huffed. “As if I need a hero to help me. I’m fine.” With those words still hanging in the air, villain left, leaving hero wondering whether or not they should have done more.

Weeks went by where hero could only wonder about how villain was doing. They hadn’t seen villain around anywhere or even heard about them in the news. It almost looked like they completely disappeared from the earth bottom, which made hero even more worried about them. Hero didn’t know why villain kept being on their mind so much. They were probably worried about their wellbeing, especially after last time. Hero knew how to see through masks, they had seen it so much, people trying to hide their feelings, pretending like everything was fine. They did it themselves and knew better than anyone else how hard that could be, how lonely it could make you feel. Especially when you were also hiding a secret identity alongside all of that. They almost missed the figure sitting against the wall. Knees pulled to their chest with their arms around it. Hero turned around to take a better look, finally after all those weeks seeing villain again. They only seemed more miserable than the last time. “Villain? What are you doing?” hero asked, approaching them. Villain didn’t answer and hero could hear them breathing fast, like they were hyperventilating. “Can I help?” hero asked, sitting down beside them. Villain shook their head. “It… goes over… in a few minutes,” villain managed to say through their breaths. “Nothing new.” Hero stayed with them as villain tried to get their breathing under control. It took them longer than normal because they knew someone was watching them, but they managed. “Sorry, I didn’t want you to see,” villain said quietly, helping themselves back on their feet. “Where are you going?” hero asked. “Is it okay for you to jump over roves now? What happened?” “I’m fine, hero! I was just short of breath, tried to get some more, and started hyperventilating. Nothing wrong, I’m fine.” They took a few wobbly steps, still a bit dizzy, but so determined to get away from hero. Not wanting to show more. Hero grabbed their shoulder, causing villain to flinch. “Okay, villain, that’s enough!” hero said. “I have been worried about you for weeks, then I find you like this and now you flinch. I’m going with you, make sure you don’t drop off a rooftop.” “Fine,” villain sighed. “I am too tired to argue about this anyway.” They let hero follow them all the way to their house. It was a lone house close to the woods, without any close neighbors. They could both go in without having to take their costumes off and worrying about people knowing where they were and discovering their identities. Villain kicked their boots out and turned the lights on. The house was cold and everything except cozy. As they walked further, hero spotted quite a mess of things laying around. “Sorry, I haven’t been able to clean anything lately. Too tired,” villain said as they walked towards the living room. “Have you even taken care of yourself?” hero asked, taking all of it in. “When was the last time you had a proper meal?” Villain shrugged, dropping themselves down on the couch. “I don’t know.” “Okay, then what about other things? Brushing your teeth? Sleep? Showers?” Villain shook their head. “I do still take showers though,” they said quietly, shrugging. Hero shook their head in disbelief. They had no idea what happened to villain to make them feel so bad and tired. Why they were so stressed and everything except caring towards themselves. Hero felt like they had to do something. They had to help. “Okay… What about this? You take a shower, right now. Not only letting the water come down, but actually washing your hair and skin and you brush your teeth even though it takes all of your energy. I will make something for you to eat and we can try and clean together. I know it takes a lot of energy, but you may feel a bit better afterward.” Villain nodded. “Yeah.. sure.. fine.” They looked away from hero. “Thanks, I know I’m a bother.” “You’re not. I told you I would be here for you to help. I don’t know what happened, but it’s fine. I’m here for you.” Villain nodded again, walking towards the stairs. “Just don’t call the police, okay? I already feel stupid enough today.” Hero looked up at them. “I thought you didn’t care anymore,” they said quietly, wording their thoughts. Villain shrugged again. “Well, maybe I don’t care as much as I would have, that’s true.” Hero walked towards villain and pulled them into a hug. “I care,” they said. “And I can stay as long as you need it, if you want.” Villain was tense, but slowly relaxed into the soft touch. The gentleness hero was holding them with, made them emotional. They buried their face in hero’s shoulder before they could even stop themselves and held them even closer. “I would like that,” villain admitted, close to tears. It meant a lot to them, more than they would like to admit.

[kuroyurishion]

A Prinxiety Halloween Story

Fandom: Sanders Sides

AU: Human

Pairing(s): Prinxiety, Logicality (mentioned), Demus (mentioned)

Summary: Virgil is stuck babysitting his baby cousin on Halloween night while answering the door to trick or treaters. Roman shows up to surprise him.

Warnings: Cursing, Food mention, Hyperventilation (Did I miss any? Please let me know!), OOC Characters

Additional Note(s): Happy Halloween everyone! I’m a bit rusty since I haven’t written in so long. Think of this as a little test run. I hope all of you are having an amazing and spooktacular Halloween 🎃 (Finished 11:49 PM, October 31, 2020. Just in time!)

Read on AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/27364531

Ready? Let’s Begin.

Trick or Treat: A Witch and his Vampire

Virgil Sullivan sighed underneath his breath as he clutched the bowl of candy tightly as he shut the door behind him. That was the fifth group of kids dressed in their colorful costumes. His neighborhood was full of kids, even more so since it was Halloween. He places the bowl of candy on the coffee table. He had approximately five to seven minutes of a break until the next wave of tiny children came, so he was gonna-

A loud crash jolted Virgil out of his thoughts. It came from the kitchen. He panics slightly, hurriedly jogging over to check the commotion. There was a chair knocked over, and sitting beside it was a white sheet. Virgil groans. “Damion, really?” he questions, picking up the chair. Damion is Virgil’s seven year old baby cousin who his aunt and uncle dropped off and asked him to babysit while they go on a business trip with Virgil’s parents. 

The tiny seven year old giggles mischievously from his makeshift ghost costume. “Whoops! Sorry Vee!” he apologizes, not even sounding slightly sorry. Virgil rolls his eyes at his cousin.

“Just be more careful next time.” he says with a tired sigh. His cousin scampers off somewhere, the white sheet dragging behind him. Virgil went back to the living room and was about to sit back on the couch until he heard the doorbell. He groans, thinking it must be another batch of neighborhood kids looking for some candy, and picking up the bowl of candies, he answers the door. He reaches inside the bowl of candies and grabs a handful, and is about to greet the kids, but then pauses in surprise.

On the other side of the door weren’t a bunch of neighborhood kids. Instead, it was a very handsome man, about Virgil’s age. He was dressed up as a very fancy vampire; complete with a black vest with silver clasps, a long black overcoat and a red cotton alcott tucked into the collar of his white button down. The vampire had some very impressive makeup, Even the fake blood looked realistic! The vampire grinned, exposing his sharp fangs. He bowed, taking off his black top hat with a red ribbon tied around it. 

“Greetings, my elusive Elphaba.” the vampire greets, standing up again straight again. Virgil rolls his eyes, leaning against the doorframe. He really didn’t want to dress up this year, just wanted to wear his usual black ripped jeans and purple and black jacket. Damion insisted he try, so he bought the black witch’s hat last minute and swapped his usual black eyeshadow with a glittery purple variety. 

“‘Sup Roman.” Virgil greets with a two fingered salute.

Roman squawks indignantly. “It took me so long to think of that one!” he cried. “At least try to be in the Halloween spirit Virge!” 

Virgil huffs. “Fine, I’ll play along.” He thinks of a cheesy saying and clears his throat. “And to you, my dashing Dracula.” he says with some enthusiasm. That really didn’t sound right coming from his mouth. Roman beams proudly, however, showing off his fake fangs. 

“See! I knew you can do it!” he cheers. 

“Thanks Princey.” Virgil says. “What did you come here for?”

Roman shrugs. “You’re usually out with my brother and Janus during Halloween, so when Remus said you weren’t gonna show up to your usual hang out spot, I thought it was suspicious.” he responds. 

Virgil raises an eyebrow. “So you dressed up,” he starts, gesturing to Roman’s costume, “to check on me? Well aren’t you thoughtful?” He didn’t know why, but the thought was kinda sweet. Roman flushes.

“I was with Logan and Patton earlier before coming here,” he admits. “We were all trick or treating until Logan had to go back home because he had to study for his math test. Patton went with him since they’re both in the same class.”

Virgil snickers. “To study?” he asks, amused. Roman chuckles at that too. 

“Can you believe they are not dating yet? I mean, Patton clearly likes Logan! And vice versa!”

“I know! They’re both so oblivious. I lost a bet to Janus since I said they’d get together first before him and Remus.”

The two boys share a laugh over the relationship status of your friends. “So how come you weren’t with my brother and Janus?” Roman asked curiously. Virgil shrugs in response.

“I’m stuck babysitting my younger cousin for the weekend.” he says. “Our parents are away on a business trip and won’t be back until next week.”

Roman nods in understanding. “Oh I see.” he says. “How’s that working out for you?”

Virgil grumbles. “He’s annoying me constantly and knocking so many things. My anxiety is through the roof since he’s so clumsy.” He sighs. “He even asked me to make his costume, Roman. I can’t make things for shit.”

Roman snickers. “Well, what did you make for him Virge?” 

“I covered him in an old white sheet that I cut two holes for eyes in. Told him it was his ghost costume.” Virgil says then sighs. “The kid loves it, but honestly him dragging that thing along and bumping into things is driving me nuts.”

Roman laughs at that, and Virgil chuckles lightly after. They stop after a moment and look at each other, falling into an awkward silence, just looking at each other. Virgil looks at Roman’s costume and admires all the little details he put on it just for one night. He felt a bit underdressed with how his costume came out. 

Roman clears his throat, breaking the silence and Virgil’s admiration of his costume. “I should head back home.” he says and Virgil’s eyes widened, realizing that it was getting late.

“Uh, yeah.” he says awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. “I guess I’ll see you in class Monday.” 

Roman nods and smiles. “I bid you adieu, O Wicked Witch of the West.” he says dramatically, then steps back quickly as Virgil throws a small piece of candy his way, face hidden under the brim of his giant witch’s hat, laughing fondly. “I’ll see you Monday!” 

Virgil could barely get a good bye out since he shut the door so quickly. He leaned against the door, panting heavily. There was a weird feeling in his stomach. For some odd reason, he didn’t want Roman to go….

Making up his mind, Virgil quickly flung open the door and spotted Roman’s retreating figure. He panics for a moment, thinking that he was too late. Clutching the bowl of candy as if it were a lifeline, he runs over to him. “Roman, wait!”

Roman turns around, slightly confused. “Virgil?” he asks. “What’s wrong?” Virgil catches up to him, panting.

“Don’t go yet.” Virgil huffs out.

Roman smirks. “Afraid you can’t wait until Monday, Emo Nightmare?”

Virgil rolls his eyes. “You wish Princey.” he snarks. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea, but he was out here now. Might as well go for it. “Would you like to come in? You came all this way to check on me and you live on the other side of town…” He trails off, unsure of what to say next that wouldn’t make him sound whiny. 

Roman raises an eyebrow. “You’re inviting me inside your house?” he asks in amusement. Virgil winces slightly. He knew it was a stupid idea to invite Roman. What was he thinking?

“If you didn’t want to, you could’ve just said no.” Virgil grumbles, hiding his face with the brim of his witch’s hat. He sighs. “It’s fine Princey. It was a stupid idea anyway, I’m just gonna go back and-”

“I’d love to stop by!” Roman says excitedly.

“-pause to process what you just said.” Virgil finishes, looking at Roman in surprise. “What did you say?” He swears he heard incorrectly. Did Roman just say he wanted to stop by?

Roman smirks. “I said yes, I’d love to stop by.” he repeats again, amused. Ah, so Virgil didn’t hear him correctly. The witch nodded silently and turned around to walk back to his house in stunned silence. He walks through the door, looking back to see if Roman was still following him. Roman was, but stopped in front of the threshold, not walking in.

“Princey, what are you doing?” Virgil asked in confusion. Roman still looked amused.

“Did you know, Virgil, that a vampire cannot enter your home?” Roman asked, grinning. “They have to be invited in. Once they are, they can enter and leave the home freely.”

Virgil looks at Roman like he grew another head. “You can’t be serious.” he groans. Roman continues to grin. “Roman, c’mon, seriously?”

“Why not Emo Nightmare?” Roman asks. “Don’t you wanna invite this, handsome, dashing vampire into your life?”

Virgil didn’t know whether or not to kiss Roman’s smug face or to punch it. Instead, he settles for putting the bowl of candy down and staring at Roman incredulously. “Roman-”

“Come on Virgil! Don’t you wanna let me in~?”

Virgil hides his blushing face with his witch’s hat. “Fine.” he grumbles. “Come on in, Dramacula.” He steps aside as Roman enters the house, winking at Virgil as he passes. Virgil sighs and locks the door behind him.

“Sorry for the mess.” he mumbles, looking around. It wasn’t really that messy, just a couple thrown pillows here and there because of Damion.

Roman looks around too. “Cozy place.” he compliments, looking at all the Halloween decorations around the house, like the spider web curtains and very realistic looking skulls on the mantelpiece. 

Virgil mumbles his thanks. “What do you wanna do?” he asks Roman. He really didn’t think Roman was gonna say yes, so he was grasping at straws here. 

Roman was about to suggest something when a loud noise came from the upstairs. It sounded like glass breaking. Both boys quickly ran upstairs to see what happened. In the hallway was the broken remains of a vase. Beside the shards sat Damion, still underneath the makeshift ghost costume. 

Virgil panics. “Damion!” He carefully maneuvers himself around the sharp shards of glass to get to his younger cousins. He pulls the sheet off him. “Are you alright?”

The seven year old frowns sadly. “I thought I’d be able to walk through the wall…” he says. He crosses his arms and pouts. Virgil adjusts his witch’s hat with a sigh. 

“You know you can’t do that.” he says, turning around to carefully pick up the shards of glass. Damion pouts unhappily, but then looks up to spot Roman standing there awkwardly. The small child screeches in surprise, causing Virgil to look up to see what was wrong now. 

“Vee! There’s a vampire in your house!” Damion squeals excitedly, running over to Roman in wonder and awe. Roman looks at the seven year old curiously before falling into character. 

“Tis I! The great vampire prince Roman!” Roman says dramatically, flashing a smile at Damion that exposed his fangs. The seven year old’s eyes widen. 

“Wow! Your  name is Roman?” Damion asks, tilting his head curiously. He was fascinated. “Like Roman King from the Drama Team? The same Roman that Vee-”

“-shares a science class with?” Virgil interrupts, having cleaned up the glass. He gives his cousin a subtle look, and the seven year grins mischievously in return, as if he knew what Virgil was hiding. And know he did. He snickers and scampers off to his room, leaving the two alone. 

Roman looks at the two cousins. “And was the cousin you mentioned before?” he asks Virgil and the emo nods with a sigh. “He seems cute.”

“More like a menace.” Virgil grumbles. “I’m sorry about that. Damion's a bit… clumsy, I suppose.” He looks down, afraid to see Roman’s face. He heard Roman chuckle and his head snapped up. 

“Don’t worry about it Virge.” Roman says. “He reminds me of Remus when he was younger. A little reckless rascal, you could say.”

Virgil sighs with relief. “Yeah, that.” he says, heading downstairs. Roman follows after.

 “Why don’t we watch a movie?” Roman suggested, sitting down on the couch. “We can eat the remaining candy while we’re at it.” Virgil looks at him hesitantly. Should he? He sits next to Roman and places the bowl of candy between them.

“Sure Princey.” What could possibly go wrong?

***

Virgil and Roman both agreed to watch the Nightmare Before Christmas. The entire movie, the two boys spent it in a relatively comfortable silence. However, there was something there between them. Something different, but not unwelcome. Virgil reaches inside the candy bowl to get another Hershey’s Kiss, but accidentally brushes against Roman’s hand. They both look at each other and freeze. 

“Sorry….” they both say at the same time. “No wait- what I mean is- you have this wrong-” The two of them continued to be in sync, embarrassing Virgil and amusing Roman to no end. Virgil eventually turns back to watch the movie, unable to stand whatever that moment was. Roman does so eventually, and the two of them fall into routine. Everything was ok, going smoothly, until Sally began to sing her song. Virgil listened with rapt attention. Sally’s Song always held a soft spot for Virgil. The song always reminded him of himself, a small speck within the view of the one person he liked. He knew he never had a chance with this person.

He hums along with the song as he reminisces and remembers. Roman looks over and looks at Virgil, listening to the low humming. He tilts head and gets a thoughtful look on his face. When the scene ended, and the silence overcame them again, Roman reached out and paused the movie. Virgil looked confused. “Roman, what-?”

“Virgil, we need to talk.”

The tone of voice made Virgil freeze in his place. “Talk.” Virgil echoes. He frowns. Did he do something wrong? Was Roman mad at him? Did he waste Roman’s time due to a miscalculation and miscommunication on his part? He begins to hyperventilate, feeling terrible for wasting Roman’s time. He breathes, quick, shallow breaths. 

Roman was beside him immediately. “Virgil?” he asked urgently. “Can you hear me?” At Virgil’s nod, he continues. 

“Ok, Stormcloud. Breathe in for four seconds.”

 Virgil does so, breathing in. 

“Now hold for seven seconds.” 

Virgil does so, holding his breath.

“Now exhale for eight seconds.”

Virgil exhales, feeling slightly better. He repeats the familiar breathing exercise for a couple of moments. “Thanks…” he says to Roman with a shaky thumbs up.

Roman nods. “You’re welcome.” he says. “What happened, Stormcloud?”

Virgil draws his knees close to his chest. “When you said we had to talk so suddenly, I thought you were upset with me.” he says. “I know, I know, it’s a stupid thing to get anxious from, and I should be over it but-” Virgil groans unhappily. Now Roman really was gonna think he was a loser or something. 

Roman gasps. “Sweet mother of sugar plum fairies!” he exclaims. “I had no idea- oh Virgil, sorry that I caused you to have such a scare. But what I was gonna talk to you about isn’t bad, I promise.” He sits a comfortable distance from Virgil so as to not freak him out. 

Virgil nods in surprise. Roman didn’t think he was a loser? “No, you didn’t know. It’s ok.” he says, taking another deep breath. “So, what’s up Princey?”

Roman clears his throat. “Well, I wanted to talk about us.” he says, and upon seeing Virgil’s panicked face, he presses on. “I said it’s nothing bad! It isn’t…. hopefully.” Seeing as that didn’t make Virgil’s expression on his face even better, Roman continues. “We’ve been friends for a couple years now, and I like our friendship with our snarky back and forths and all that. But lately, it’s been weird between us, yes? Just the awkward glances and the silent conversations we have with each other. There’s something there that wasn’t there before. Do you know what I’m talking about, Virgil? What that something is?” 

Virgil nods, somehow unable to speak. His heart pounded in his chest, nervous. What was Roman gonna do?

Roman continues on. “I think… that I love you, Virgil.” he says firmly, looking Virgil in the eye. “Nay, I know that I love you. I love you and everything that makes you, well, you. From your dark eyeshadow and clothes to you pale skin and snarky humor. I love all of it. I don’t care if you’re too anxious or too sarcastic, I love you for you. You’re a beautiful, dark painting, a gothic masterpiece made to be adored. You’ve cast your spell on me and bewitched my senses, my Exquisite Enchanter, and this is a spell I wish will not break.” He takes a deep breath. “I don’t know if you return my feelings or not, but I just had to let you know. Virgil, will you be the Trick to my Treat?”

Silence fills the room as Virgil takes in the confession. Roman looks down and readies himself for the rejection, the fall out, the foreseeable tragedy that will befall his love life. He hears Virgil sniffling and looks up at his love with tears . “Oh Virgil.” Roman says softly, feeling his heart break. Is this what rejection feels like?  “I’m sorry… if I hurt your feelings. I’ll leave you be, then.” He gets up from the couch and walks hastily from the door, trying so hard not to cry. He knew he shouldn’t have opened his mouth, and now all his efforts were ruined, all for nothing. He should just-

“Roman, wait!”

-stop in his tracks and whirl around to hear what Virgil had to say. Roman does just that, turning around and seeing Virgil sitting halfway on the couch, as if he was ready to chase after him. “Yes?” Roman asked, feeling hopeful. Was he not being rejected? 

Virgil wipes his tiny tears away. “Don’t just leave when I haven’t even told you my answer, you ass.” he says, looking at Roman. He wasn’t that good at emotions, but he was gonna try, dammit. “Roman, you absolute himbo of a man, you make me have butterflies in my stomach when you’re around.” Off to a great start, Virgil. “And when you’re around, you make me feel…. happier. I don’t feel as sad because you make sunshine appear in my stormy skies. I admire you and your creativity and passion for the things you do. Not only do you make your characters come alive, you make my heart skip a beat whenever I look at you.” His ramble begins to slow down. “You’re my hero in my darkest days, never failing to make me smile with our snarky commentaries. And you, being you, are so amazing in your own unique way, from your talents and charisma and long story short, Roman, I love you too. And yes, I’ll be the Trick to your Treat.”

As soon as Virgil finished speaking, Roman swept Virgil off his feet. “Oh my darling Stormcloud!” Roman exclaimed, laughing at Virgil’s surprised squawks. “I’m so happy you return my affections. I’ll make you the happiest emo witch in the whole entire world. You won’t regret this!” He finally puts Virgil back down, but he still holds him.

“I think I already am.” Virgil groans jokingly, quickly holding onto his witch’s hat as he’s spun and put down. But he smiles bright at the thought of being Roman’s boyfriend, looking up at his vampire with a fond grin. 

Roman gasps. “I think this is the first time I’ve seen you smile so bright!” he exclaims. “It is radiant like the sun, a beauty to behold!”

Virgil hides his face in his hands. “Roman stop!” he pleads, embarrassed with all the analogies and compliments.

“Never!” Roman exclaims happily. “I’ll never stop because you’re mine~!”

Virgil rolls his eyes. “Bite me.” he says jokingly, then freezes. 

Roman’s face morphed into a teasing smirk, fake fangs on display. “Well, if my Bewitching Beauty insists,” he says, leaning closer to Virgil, pulling the emo towards him. He was so close to Virgil now and the emo gulps nervously, feeling Roman’s breath on his lips. He stops however, looking at Virgil, searching his face for consent. 

Virgil nods silently, afraid to even speak. Roman then, slowly, presses their lips together in a slow, sweet kiss. It wasn’t rushed, or messy. It felt perfect for the both of them. And what a perfect way to end Halloween night. A vampire and a witch, in love, who’s only witnesses are the spider curtains, the realistic fake skulls, and a mischievous seven year old who witnessed everything and was definitely not going to tell anyone what he saw. And they wouldn’t have it any other way.

The End 

Taglist:

@princessglittermageline @fire-and-ash67 @nini-panini-wears-a-beanie @princey-the-dramaking

[codevassie]

for the oneshot request: hurt and comfort remile where emile gets beat up by one of the students in his college (bc he’s gay and this idiot kid is a homophobe) and remy tends to his wounds since they know a thing or two about how to take care of your wounds after a fight. you can decide if they an established couple or they’re just friends - i don’t mind either way. i hope this request is okay to write

CV: Okay to write? Oh it was certainly okay–it was brilliant! Thank you so much for requesting. I love Remile so much, and I hope I was able to write what you had in mind here. Have a wonderful day! 

CW: Homophobia, Implied/ Referenced Bullying and Violence, Injury, Hyperventilation

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

A lot of things worried Emile about that day.

His swollen eye, for one. It stung to hell, and he hadn’t even gotten a chance to put an ice pack on it. He hoped neglecting it for a while wouldn’t make it worse. The cool wind was hitting it, sending both pain and relief across his face, and Emile couldn’t decide which was worse–going without the cold, or taking the extra beating by nature itself.

For another, he still had two classes to get to before he could go home and rest the ache in his muscles–and maybe find that ice pack he was craving. He dreaded other students, or worse, his professors, asking what had happened to him. Emile imagined the worry etched on their faces, their kind voices letting him know he could trust them, he could tell them- 

He didn’t want to tell anyone. Emile just wanted to pretend it had never even happened.

There was the grand societal worry–about what it meant that kids were still being abused for who they were. That people could be so cruel to harm someone who hadn’t done anything to them. Emile hadn’t even known the guy, but, somehow, he had known him. He knew him as someone who was out and proud, someone who smiled when he told people he was gay. He was active in his school’s LGBTQ+ Alliance, and worked at the counselor’s office, hosting a support group for queer kids in the area. 

He worried that maybe it wasn’t a question of how the guy had known him, but why this hadn’t happened sooner.

Or who was next.

Emile thought of the kids he worked with, the ones he talked to, told they’d always have a safe place to come to, but what if it wasn’t a safe place at all? What if Emile was only putting them in danger?

But maybe, worst of all–in some misguided, hopeless delusion that he’d always be smiling for them, always be the one who had it together, who was always there to help–Emile was worried about Remy’s reaction.

His partner, Remy, was the light of his life. The only one who didn’t see him as naive because he looked on the bright side. The only one who supported all the extra responsibilities he took on because, if he could help, he was going to goshdarn help. The only one Emile could lean on just as much as Remy leaned on him.

Even though it scared him. Leaning on someone else–it took time to learn. Emile had never given himself that luxury, despite, objectively, knowing how bad that was for him. He was a psychology major; he was going to be a therapist. Emile could see his own destructive behavior. It was a slow process to mend it though.

Emile didn’t want Remy to see him like this. If they saw him, with his swollen eye and cut lip and bruising arms and legs that no one could even see under his winter attire, Emile was afraid he’d break.

The world felt so big, while Emile felt so small. Without a tether, Emile felt sort of distant from it all, like maybe he could pretend it hadn’t happened. His worries were breaking down his walls–the horrors of an unjust world singing its mournful tunes. The world wasn’t a happy place–Emile knew that. But sometimes it hit you full-on in the shape of a fist and awful slurs and falling helplessly to the ground at the feet of bigots and their sneers. 

Emile hadn’t cried. Not a single tear. He really really didn’t want to. The moment he cried, they had won.

He knew he would cry as soon as he saw Remy. 

But Emile couldn’t bring himself to go to class, opting for, the first time that semester, to skip. He thought, ironically, how Remy would be proud. They always said Emile needed to loosen up. Needed to take more care of himself too. That’s two points in one action. 

Instead, his feet took him closer to the on-campus Starbucks, packed with students studying, and a line long enough to wrap around the building. On a cold day like this, he shouldn’t have been surprised people wanted hot beverages and a warm place to sit. He hadn’t realized until now he’d been hoping it would be slow.

He hadn’t actually realized where he was going until he saw the long line.

For a moment, he froze, eyes landing behind the counter, the long room away from where he stood, at his partner, juggling cups, looking busied, but unfrazzled–completely in their element. Emile loved coming in here and sitting at a table close by, just to watch them over his laptop screen, talking to them when business was slow.

The people around him parted slightly, regulars recognizing him and others just shocked at the mess that was his face. Emile ducked, face burning. Remy was busy. He should leave, come back later-

“Emile?” 

Emile’s head jerked up, eyes landing on the figure approaching him. His heart dropped into his stomach at the sight of a green apron, thinking for a moment it was them, before he looked further and he reached a darker pair of eyes than he was expecting–warm, but not golden. Brown.

“Roman?” he croaked, eyes widening when he realized how he’d sounded.

“What happened to you?” the other asked. Futilely, Emile reached up, trying to hide his face. “Sorry. We should get you to Remy.”

“What? No!” He shook his head insistently. “Remy’s busy. This can wait.”

“No offense,” Roman said, raising an eyebrow at him. “But I really don’t think this can wait.”

Emile went quiet. Roman took his arm, steering him towards the counter. Remy was so focused, they didn’t even notice them until Roman spoke up.

“Remy, I’m covering for you. Give me your orders.”

“What?” Remy looked up, confusion lining his features. It didn’t take long for his gaze to gravitate to Emile, eyes widening. “Emile?” they gasped, slamming down the paper cup they’d been holding. Thankfully, nothing had been in it yet.

“Hey, Rem,” Emile said, fighting back the tears stinging hot at the back of his eyes. Remy practically threw their orders at Roman, who Emile assumed had been on break. Remy rushed around the counter, taking Emile gently and rushing them out. Emile could feel the eyes trailing after them, whispers like screams demanding what had happened–demanding Emile’s secret weaknesses.

They twisted and turned through the corridors of the Social Sciences building, where the Starbucks was located, until they found an empty, unlocked room. Remy pulled him in and shut the door behind them, turning to look Emile over now that they were at a safe distance. Emile didn’t give them the chance, though, finally giving in to his tears and crashing into them.

He felt their arms wrap around him, encasing Emile closer to Remy’s comfort and heat, cradling the back of his head, pulling him in close so Emile could feel like all of the world was there, that he may have been small in comparison, but Remy was big enough to protect both of them, that Remy was the tether that stuck him in this moment.

Emile’s breath hitched and hiccuped, but he couldn’t stop. The tears kept coming–his whines–his sorrows–his fear that had carried past the moment of being knocked to the ground–his worry that the world was so unfair with no way to fix it–it all boiled over in his desperate clutching of Remy’s apron, then the back of his shirt–whatever drew him closer–secured him there with his partner and not the cold ground–not helplessly curling up–alone–his worries speeding off ahead of him about how no one had heard–no one had helped–anything could have happened.

“Em,” Remy’s voice cut through his spiralling thoughts, and Emile gasped a little, too quiet, not able to get anymore breath in. “Em, you need to breathe. Count with me, okay?”

And so they counted. The same thing Emile did with his group. The same thing he’d taught Remy to help with that friend of theirs. It took an excruciatingly long time, but they counted.

Once Emile had his breathing under control, he finally looked up at his partner. His vision was a little blurry, and he couldn’t tell if it was just the fact Remy had taken off his glasses, or if it also had to do with tears. Remy took his puzzled look to mean he wanted his glasses back, though, and carefully slipped them back over his ears.

Eyes a bit clearer, he focused on them. Guilt gnawed at his gut. “I’m sorry.”

A series of expressions crossed Remy’s face. “Don’t you dare apologize for this. This is not your fault,” they said, but their tone wasn’t harsh. In fact, it couldn’t have been more than a scared whisper.

“I shouldn’t have come while you were working,” Emile tried to clarify, but Remy shook their head.

“I would have dropped everything even if Roman didn’t offer to cover,” Remy said. “I don’t care what I’m doing. If you need me, I’m always there for you.” They looked over his face, and Emile felt a hot, dizzying shame. “Can you tell me what happened?”

“Just some guy,” Emile said, trying to speak evenly, trying to have it come off as no big deal. “Homophobe.”

Remy’s eyes grew angrier. They curled their lip. “Disgusting.”

“He’s just ignorant,” Emile shrugged. He felt sorry for the guy–thinking he had to pick fights just to feel secure about himself and his misguided beliefs. Remy shook their head.

“I’ll track him down and beat him up myself,” they said, but Emile frowned at that.

“Don’t do that,” he said. Remy deflated, looking him over again.

“Well, at least let me patch you up.”

Emile smiled, but he doubted it came off with his usual cheeriness. “You and what bandages?”

“The cafe keeps first-aid on hand downstairs,” they said. “Could you wait here while I get it?”

Something rose up in Emile’s throat at the thought of being left alone right now, but he nodded anyway. “Of course.”

Remy looked him over, probably seeing right through him. They looked at him, then at the door, then back.

“Really,” Emile reassured. “I’ll be fine.”

Remy had a look in their eye as they undid their apron, shucking the leather jacket they had underneath. Emile wondered how it hadn’t gotten hot in the cafe wearing those layers, but he was thankful for it now, the heavy jacket being thrown over him. Remy bent down, kissing the tip of his nose.

“I’ll be right back, babe.” It was the first time they sounded like themself that day. Emile hated that he’d made them so sober and serious, even if for a good reason.

And they were back, as quick as they had said. Emile barely had time to sit at one of the desks, hugging the jacket close.

Remy came back with an ice pack.

“My savior,” Emile teased, but he grabbed the pack immediately, pressing it to his face. It stung, but, like the wind, it helped. 

“Need your arm, hun,” Remy said, bringing a chair closer to sit next to him. Emile looked down at both arms, unsure which they meant until he noticed it: a scrape that had gone right through the material of his hoodie. 

Peeling off the hoodie and rolling up his sleeve, Emile presented the arm, which Remy went straight into disinfecting. They worked in silence, and Emile ran his thumb over and over again across the material of Remy’s jacket. 

“You know, it’s usually the other way around with us,” Emile said, breaking the comfortable silence they had built up. Remy’s curious eyes met his. “I’m always stitching you up.”

“Well, I guess I get to take care of you for once,” Remy smiled. “Good thing I have practice.”

“It’s not a good thing you get into so many fights,” Emile said. He tried for serious, but he couldn’t muster up the energy to sound anything but slightly amused. “Especially when I wasn’t around to help you after.”

“It’s a good thing we’ve got each other now, then, right?” Remy said, and there was something so soft to it. “We get to keep an eye on each other.”

With those words, Emile’s guilt morphed into something far warmer, better. He looked deep into Remy’s eyes, reading easily between the lines.

It would take a long time–learning to lean on someone else–but Emile was glad it was Remy.

[sapphirerabbits]

What better way to spend my high school graduation than a hyperventilating, crying, and vomiting. Shout out to my friends for staying with me despite that.